'Unblemished, innocent, perfect souls'

Mr Maslin described his children as "unblemished, innocent, perfect souls".

Having Nick, the wisest man I know, as their eternal guide gives us some comfort.

Anthony Maslin

"It may give all of you some perspective to remember that the only thing worse for us than the hell beyond hell that we are going through now is the horrific thought that our family had never existed," he said.

"I would choose the short time we have had with them over any normal long-lasting life."

Brack Norris, the son of Nick Norris, read a tribute to him on behalf of the family.

"He taught us about life by being a mentor, a confidante, a trusted friend and a sounding board," he said.

Combatants are holding to their promise to avoid major fighting in the specific areas where the inspectors are working, but a small team of Australians and Dutch, including AFP officers, were cut off by shelling near a part of the wreckage overnight.

Media were allowed to attend the Perth service but coverage was strictly controlled.